Tigers finally get some good injury news as Casey Mize hints at return date

The injury bug has gotten the best of the Tigers so far this season, with Tarik Skubal atop the list. Skubal could miss upwards of 2-3 months, meaning the Tigers pitching staff needs reinforcements fast. The good news for Detroit is that help may indeed be on the way in the form of returning right-handed starter and former No. 1 overall draft pick Casey Mize.

The Tigers are 7-17 on the road this season and have lost six of their last seven, so it should come as no surprise that they fell to the lowly Mets on Tuesday night. The outing by Jack Flaherty, who's walked more batters already this season than all of his breakout 2024 campaign, highlighted Detroit's need for reliable starting pitching. Mize alone isn't the answer, but he's a step in the right direction. The good news for the Tigers is he's not alone.

Tigers injury update includes good news on Casey Mize

Mize is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this week and could come off the injured list as soon as Friday. Mize has missed significant time this season with a groin strain, but that could change soon, per the pitcher himself in an interview with The Detroit News.

“I’m not feeling anything in my legs,” Mize told Chris McCosky. “I wouldn’t say I am in build-up mode because I didn’t have that much time off to lose much. I feel like the work capacity is still there. I feel like we’re in a good spot.”

With Mize in the mix, Detroit's rotation would be, at the very least, formidable, and perhaps give their beleaguered bullpen a rest.

In six starts this season, Mize had a 2.90 ERA. When paired with his 3.87 ERA in 28 appearances last season, it's easy to tell why the Tigers are eager to get him back into the fold.

Javier Baez and Troy Melton nearing returns for the Tigers

The Tigers revealed a number of helpful injury updates early this week to pair with Mize. Javier Baez, who has been dealing with a right ankle sprain, has officially started his rehabilitation in Lakeland, though a timetable for his return wasn't given. The same can be said for Gleyber Torres and right-handed pitcher Troy Melton.

Torres suffered a left oblique strain and is working his way back up in Lakeland. Melton, who was a key force on the Detroit pitching staff during their postseason run, had his rehab moved to Triple-A Toledo. Melton is expected to start for the Mud Hens on Wednesday, though Tigers fans shouldn't get too excited — he's not eligible to come off the injured list until May 24.

Melton could figure into the starting rotation upon his return, but his flexibility to pitch out of the bullpen — where he made most of his appearances in 2025 — make him a fun project who can help the Tigers win now, especially in the absence of their ace Skubal.

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